Promise Me (18 page)

The solicitor thought for a moment. “Almost forty years since my missus and me stood before the local vicar.”

“
You are pleased with the arrangement?”

“
Arrangement?” Harcourt smiled. “Why, yes. I believe so.”

“
And your wife?”

“
She rarely complains, so I daresay she’s content.”

“
How did you accomplish such a feat? I mean...how does one stay wed to the same woman for forty years and remain cheerful? Good God, how does one keep his sanity?”

“
I’m not sure, your Grace, but I imagine the man and wife would have to come to a mutual understanding. And of course, possess some sort of affection for one another.”

Nicolas frowned. “Yes, a wife might expect affection from her husband.”

The study doors opened. “Pardon me, your Grace,” the butler said. “But you’ve a visitor waiting in the foyer. A Miss Santiago.”

Nicolas exchanged glances with his solicitor.

“
This does not bode well, your Grace.”

“
You’re probably right.” He turned to the butler. “Where is my grandmother?”

“
Her ladyship took Master Edwin for a carriage ride about an hour ago.”

Nicolas breathed a sigh of relief. “Escort the lady in here.” He motioned to Harcourt. “You’d better slip inside the adjoining room.”

Moments later, Maria Santiago waltzed in. “Your Grace,” she said and strolled up to him with her gloved hand held out. “I am pleased to finally meet you.”

He ignored her greeting, as well as her hand, and instead scrutinized her appearance. Dressed in expensive clothes of the latest fashion, this woman was no pauper. Nor had she likely ever been. “What do you want, Miss Santiago?”

She lowered her hand. “Did you not anticipate my visit?”

“
Since you abandoned Edwin, why would I?”

“
Perhaps because we’ve a great deal to discuss.”

“
Not if you’ve come to take the lad.”

“
My son is with his father’s family, and I’m sure he’s well cared for. Take him? No. Unless, of course, you and I cannot reach an agreement.”

“
You left a sick child with a wet nurse and no money for a doctor. You, of all people, have no legal or moral right to him. I see no need for an agreement, and we’ve nothing more to discuss.”

“
You’re mistaken, your Grace.”

“
Then enlighten me, madam.”

Her dark eyes narrowed. “I want what should’ve been mine. What that stupid Sheridan chit stole from me.”

“
Miss Sheridan stole from
you
? I find that remark utterly ridiculous, but please...go on.”

She studied him. “I want half of Drake Shipping.”

“
Half?” Anger snaked up his spine, but he did not allow it to creep into his voice. “Why not all?”

“
I am not a greedy woman. Half is the amount I am owed for the many years of service I provided Lord Adrian.”

“
Yes, but I owe you nothing.”

“
Then you agree that this is your brother’s debt.” She sidled up to him, her flowery perfume nauseating. “You and I would do well together. I can assure you our partnership would be quite pleasurable.”

“
And no doubt extremely costly.”

“
Is there a more enjoyable way to spend your coin?”

Adrian had betrayed the woman he loved for this painted trollop? The very sight of her sickened Nicolas. “A generous offer, Miss Santiago, but I must decline.”

Her expression turned bitter. “You think you are better than me? From a more noble bloodline?”

He did not respond, letting her stew in her own resentment.

“
Your brother was insatiable,” she taunted. “He could not contain his lust for me, and it consumed him. You have more control over your passion, your Grace, but you suffer the same curse as any man.” She glanced around the study. “Lord Adrian had no wife and no other offspring. His share of the shipping business rightfully belongs to me.”

“
It belongs to Edwin.”

“
And Edwin is my son.”

“
A minor detail.”

“
Yes, I’ve been told your solicitor has petitioned the courts in Cambridge Town.” She sat in a chair opposite his desk. “You’re to meet with the magistrate soon to discuss Edwin’s adoption.”

“
How did you obtain that information?”

“
I’ve acquired a few friends who hold important positions within the courts.”

“
Friends? Let’s be clear about this, Miss Santiago.” Nicolas circled around behind her. “You have no friends except those you buy. Whatever power you think you’ve bought and however many beds you’ve slithered into...” He gripped the back of her chair and leaned close. “None of that will be enough to get you half of my shipping company.”

“
Then perhaps you might consider what will happen to Miss Sheridan.”

“
This does not concern Leah Sheridan.”

“
Oh, but it does. The woman abducted my child. For that crime, I could have her sentenced to prison.”

Nicolas grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet. “Do not try to persuade the authorities with such a lie.”

“
Then do not force me.” She jerked her arm from his grasp.
“Yo no soy débil.”

“
Weak? No, I would never consider you that. You are, however, a conniving, lecherous female completely lacking in morality whatsoever.”

She offered a casual smile. “Is that what
she
told you?”

“
No, that’s my opinion,” Nicolas replied. “The second you figured out who Adrian was, you decided to relieve him of his fortune. And what better way to do that than by getting with child. You figured most noble families would pay you dearly to leave England and take your illegitimate secret with you.” He shook his head. “Not this family.”

“
Your arrogance will be your downfall. Do you understand I can take Edwin where you and your grandmother would never find him?”

“
Do you realize I could make you disappear completely?”

“
You would hire thugs to do away with me, would you?”

“
No, I’d do the job myself.”

Indecision surfaced in her eyes.

“
As to Edwin’s abandonment,” Nicolas added, “there was another witness.”

“
Lady Ashburn? The courts might believe that she would lie to save her friend or to please her family. As much as I despise Miss Sheridan, I’ve no desire to send your cousin to prison, but I will if it becomes necessary.”

If Maria Santiago were a man, he would’ve thrown her out a window.

Nicolas forced his tone to remain calm. “I’m surprised you speak of Miss Sheridan with such contempt. Did she not send you money each month?”

“
A small amount, at best.”

“
Then why bother taking it?”

“
Her stupidity amused me.”

“
And did you amuse yourself further by forging those letters? You could’ve ruined the lady’s reputation. But that was the point, was it not?”

“
Clever, no?”

“
Except for the fact that you neglected to take into account that Leah Sheridan is a highly educated lady who would’ve unlikely misspelled a few simple words.”

“
You’ve taken a liking to her. A pity. You are more like your brother than I expected. Take my advice, your Grace. Such inexperience in the bedroom could never please a man like you more than once.”

“
You, madam, are disgusting. You forced Lord Greyson’s daughter to pay you monies each month simply because you wished to see her suffer. After all, she had once held Adrian’s love as well as his promise of marriage. You had only one thing to offer. The same thing you offer each wealthy patron you meet.”

“
You believe I cared for your brother?” She laughed, but it wasn’t a cheerful sound. “He used my body for pleasure, but he was nothing more than a pawn.” Her red lips formed a tight smirk. “As to the earl’s pious daughter, I never forced her to do anything against her will.”

“
Then you used Edwin to play upon her misguided guilt.”

“
Misguided? It was Miss Sheridan who caused your brother’s death.”

“
Adrian’s death was an unfortunate accident.”

“
Your opinion is
defectuoso
. Flawed. Your brother’s saintly fiancée is the very reason my son will never know his father.”

“
And perhaps that’s just as well,” Nicolas retorted. “But your concern was never for Edwin. You’re angry because you lost Adrian before you had the chance to complete your little blackmail scheme.”

Her gaze narrowed. “Are we to become partners, your Grace? Or will you jeopardize Miss Sheridan’s freedom?”

Nicolas saw no other choice. “I’ll ask my solicitor draw up the paperwork.”

“
There’s no need.” She withdrew a folded parchment from her reticule. “Have your man read this.” She handed the document over. “If it’s signed before you meet with the magistrate, I’ll offer no objection to Edwin’s adoption.” She sashayed to the door and turned. “And do not disappoint me.” Her smile betrayed a hint of contempt. “Nicolas.”

Chapter Twelve

Upon returning from Ashburn Hall, Leah headed upstairs to her room to change clothes. She’d almost confided in Anne about the duke’s strange behavior the previous evening, but at the last second she’d decided against it.

With the help of her lady’s maid, Leah slipped out of her gown and into a day dress. After rearranging her hair into a loose bun, she gave the maid the rest of the day off then grabbed a sketchbook and hurried out of the room.

Passing Katrina in the hall, she said, “Rebecca’s plans for this afternoon have changed as Viscount Ashburn’s mother has arrived for a short visit.”

Kat’s expression dulled.

“
I’m sorry, dearest.” Leah wrapped her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Tell you what. From now on, whenever I visit the dress shops in Cambridge Town or Dover, I’ll take you with me. Would you like that?”

Katrina shrugged.

“
Did Mister O’Connell finally decide on a costume for the Bal Masque?” Leah asked.

“
Yes, but I promised to keep it a secret.” She headed down the hall but turned at the door to her room. “Leah? What’s a gunslinger?”

So much for keeping Mister O’Connell’s secret.

“
A gunslinger? Well, I believe that’s someone who duels with pistols.”

“
Oh. Have you chosen your costume yet?”

“
No. I’ve been a bit preoccupied lately.”

“
How about the Gypsy outfit?”

Leah had purchased the costume two years ago but had never worn it. “Yes, I suppose it would do, but I’ve no idea what’s happened to it.”

“
It’s tucked away in the back of your wardrobe.”

“
What were you doing snooping in my wardrobe?”

“
I wasn’t being nosy. Becca and I were playing hide and seek one afternoon.”

“
And trampling my gowns, no doubt.”

“
We were careful.” Katrina eyed the sketchpad. “Did you wish me to sit for you again this afternoon?”

“
No, it can wait until next week.”

This produced a genuine smile and as Katrina hurried off, Leah vowed to pay closer attention to the things that pleased her sister.

###

Lord Greyson’s reaction didn’t come close to what Nicolas had anticipated. He expected shock. Anger. Even astonishment and outrage. Not calm or thoughtful. And certainly not agreeable.

The earl’s attention shifted away from the window in his study. “You intend to give in to this woman’s demands?”

“
I’ve little choice in the matter, my lord.”

“
Does your grandmother know?”

“
No, and I see no reason to upset her.”

Greyson nodded. “What did your solicitor advise?”

“
Harcourt thinks I should sign over the entire shipping business to someone trustworthy. By the time Miss Santiago realizes I do not own the company and that my signature is invalid, it will be too late.”

“
You’ve accepted his counsel?”

“
It’s a risk I’m unwilling to take at the moment. Besides, there’s your daughter to consider.”

“
Leah might be a bit impulsive at times, but she would never snatch a child from his mother.”

“
I agree but if I do not hand over half my business, I’ve no doubt abduction charges will be brought against her.”

“
Good heavens, Chase. What a mess.”

“
My lord, you’ve my word that I’ll do whatever necessary to protect her.”

“
By pretending a betrothal?”

Nicolas fell silent.

“
I admit there’s a great deal of influence attached to your family name. Always has been.” Greyson downed his brandy before setting the glass aside. “Still I’ve no wish to see Leah suffer more than she has. I don’t have to tell you how difficult this past year has been for her. It’s enough to break a father’s heart.”